Launcher Catapult Track with Hydraulic Stabilization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current ejection track devices for unmanned aerial vehicles suffer from instability due to swinging, high weight, and inadequate measurement and control systems, leading to potential flight accidents and increased operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight ejection track device with a self-positioning and self-setting integral structure, featuring balance hydraulic cylinders and a sensor-encoder system for precise measurement and control, which includes a track formed by interconnected plates with pulleys for stable traction and buffering, and a lifting hydraulic cylinder for adjustable ejection angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional ejection track devices use heavy stabilization structures with parallel tracks and sliding frames, then stability against swinging is improved, but device weight increases and anti-swinging ability decreases as erection height increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability against swingingVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies hydraulic balance cylinders to provide active stabilization against swinging. The balance hydraulic cylinders use hydraulic pressure to counteract the swinging forces, replacing the need for heavy passive structural stabilization. This allows the track to remain stable without increasing weight, as the hydraulic system provides the necessary stabilizing force dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the stabilization approach from structural (passive) to hydraulic (active), allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions. The balance hydraulic cylinders can adjust their output force based on the actual swinging conditions, providing optimal stabilization without requiring excessive structural weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Weight of stationary object

If traditional ejection track devices use simple track structures, then device weight is reduced, but measurement and control precision is insufficient leading to operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice weightVSAvoidmeasurement and control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a sensor-encoder system that provides real-time feedback on the track's position and state. This feedback mechanism allows for precise measurement and control without adding significant weight, as the sensors detect parameters such as track angle and position, enabling accurate control adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement and control systems with sensor-encoder-based electronic measurement. This substitution achieves higher measurement precision with less mechanical complexity and lower weight, as electronic sensors are lighter and more precise than traditional mechanical measurement arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional ejection track devices use fixed track structures, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability for different ejection angles is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadjustability for ejection angles
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the track structure dynamic by incorporating lifting hydraulic cylinders that can adjust the track's elevation angle. This allows the track to transition between different positions and angles during operation, providing adaptability for different ejection requirements while maintaining a relatively simple manufactured structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the track structure to serve multiple functions: it can be adjusted to different angles, positions, and configurations to accommodate various ejection scenarios. This multi-functionality is achieved through the lifting hydraulic cylinders and balance stabilization system, allowing a single track structure to handle diverse operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides enhanced stability against swinging, reduced weight, and simplified operation with accurate measurement and control, enabling reliable and efficient UAV ejection and take-off processes.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of balance hydraulic cylinders coaxially hinged to two sides of a front portion of the track by a hinge shaft, and the other ends of the pair of balance hydraulic cylinders are also coaxially hinged to two sides of the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic force: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

the lifting hydraulic cylinder is located between the pair of balance hydraulic cylinders, two ends of the lifting hydraulic cylinder are hinged to the track and the base respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic force: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

front and rear ends of the track are each provided with at least one cable pulley, and the cable pulleys are configured to set a traction cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

a rear portion of the track is hinged to the base, the ejector track device further comprises a lifting hydraulic cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical articulation: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3822174B1Launcher catapult track device
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 QIHANG LAUNCHING TECH CO LTD
  • EP3822174B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3822174B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3822174B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates an ejection track device for a launcher, which includes a base (1) and a track (2) located on the base (1), wherein the track may be single track or formed by assembling a plurality of track sections(a, b, c, d, e), and the plurality of track sections (a, b, c, d, e), are folded and stored in a lateral direction or a vertical direction of a track plane in an end-to-end hinged mode. The track mainly comprises an upper plate, a lower plate, a left plate, a right plate and rib plates between the upper plate, the lower plate, the left plate and the right plate, which are aligned and insertedly connected and with the aid of welding. The rear portion of the track is hinged to the base, a pair of balance hydraulic cylinders are coaxially hinged to the two sides of the front portion of the track, and the other ends of the pair of balance hydraulic cylinders are also coaxially hinged to the two sides of the base. The lifting hydraulic cylinder is further included, the two ends of the lifting hydraulic cylinder are hinged to the track and the base respectively, and a hinge shaft of the lifting hydraulic cylinder can be coaxial or parallel to a hinge shaft of the balance hydraulic cylinders. The present invention has the advantages of scientific and reasonable design, high assembly and manufacturing precision, light weight, high strength, good stability and low construction cost, is easy to manufacture in batches, and is a technical revolution to the field.